US20130341216A1 - Towel Shower Caddy - Google Patents
Towel Shower Caddy Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130341216A1 US20130341216A1 US13/920,229 US201313920229A US2013341216A1 US 20130341216 A1 US20130341216 A1 US 20130341216A1 US 201313920229 A US201313920229 A US 201313920229A US 2013341216 A1 US2013341216 A1 US 2013341216A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- attached
- door
- hanger
- wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
- A47K3/28—Showers or bathing douches
- A47K3/281—Accessories for showers or bathing douches, e.g. cleaning devices for walls or floors of showers
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B96/00—Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G29/00—Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00
- A47G29/08—Holders for articles of personal use in general, e.g. brushes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K17/00—Other equipment, e.g. separate apparatus for deodorising, disinfecting or cleaning devices without flushing for toilet bowls, seats or covers; Holders for toilet brushes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
- A47K3/001—Accessories for baths, not provided for in other subgroups of group A47K3/00 ; Insertions, e.g. for babies; Tubs suspended or inserted in baths; Security or alarm devices; Protecting linings or coverings; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting baths; Bath insulation
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
- A47K5/18—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like for both soap and toothpaste or the like; in combination with holders for drinking glasses, toothbrushes, or the like ; Toothpaste dispensers; Dental care centers
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- Bathtubs, Showers, And Their Attachments (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This patent application claims the benefit of priority from previously-filed U.S. provisional patent application, Ser. No. 61/662,951 , filed on Jun. 22, 2012, and claims the content of said provisional application as though fully appearing herein.
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to accessory storage systems, and more specifically it relates to a towel shower caddy for an improved combination apparatus designed to safely, securely, and efficiently store and transport items. The device is primarily comprised of at least one storage container that may hold a towel and other items, may attach above or below a shower head pipe, has a waterproof door which may contain a speaker, a detachable exterior shelf, a detachable hanger system, a support base, a detachable interior shelf and dividing wall, and a collapsible and/or detachable carrying handle.
- 2. Description of the Related Art, including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98 includes the following documents:
- Cabinets with swinging covers U.S. Pat. No. 806,277; Issue date, Dec. 5, 1905,
- Tray fastened to shower wall; U.S. Pat. No. 2,876,908; issue date: Mar. 10, 1959.
- Garment hanger attached to shower pipe; U.S. Pat. No. 2,941,671; Issue date: Jun. 21, 1960.
- Plastic soap tray which hangs from shower pipe; U.S. Pat. No. 3,059,374, issue date: Oct. 23, 1962.
- Shower caddy hanging from pipe; U.S. Pat. No. 3,184,702; Issue date: May 4, 1965.
- Hook or soap dishes attached to shower pipe; U.S. Pat. No. 43,266,764; Issue date: Aug 16, 1966.
- Wire caddy with wire bent to tit around shower pipe; U.S. Pat. No. 43.789,996; issue date: 1974.
- A caddy having a cabinet and suction cups; U.S. Pat. No. 3,869,183; Issue date: 1975.
- A wire shelf structure adapted to be supported from a shower arm; U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,811, Issue date: Jun. 14, 1983.
- An open rectangular frame with object-storing trays slidably and rotatably mounted in spanning relation between the long sides of the frame, and the same is effective to vertically suspend the frame from a shower nozzle or the like, and thereby contribute to its functioning, as a shower accessory. U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,131; issue date: Sep. 17, 1985.
- Wire and plastic shower caddy; U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,067; Issue date: Jan. 19, 1993.
- A carrying ease assembly is provided with a case defining an enclosed interior, and a collapsible handle assembly disposed within the case. U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,428; Issue date: Jul. 11, 1995.
- Caddy for soap and hanging razors; U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,105; Issue date: Apr. 15, 1997.
- A safe cordless telephone with a hands-free speakerphone is provided for use in showers or when taking a bath. The user-friendly cordless telephone can be readily attached and removed from any portion of the shower/bath unit, including a shower wall, door, sliding panel, towel rack, bracket, holder, or shower head pipe. The shower speaker telephone can also have a radio, intercom, clock., and a display window to display the telephone numbers of outgoing and/or incoming telephone calls. U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,015; Issue date: Sep. 2, 1997.
- A shower caddy for holding personal care articles including containers of preparations such as shampoo, hair conditioner, lotions, toothpaste and the like, and items such as shavers, toothbrushes and combs, includes a frame having generally vertically disposed structural elements, at lea ne and preferably two transversely disposed shelves, and a mirror, U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,790; Issue date: Jun. 24, 2003.
- The invention generally relates to an accessory storage system for access during showering or bathing, which includes a frame, a door, a handle assembly, a support, base, a hanger system, and a detachable shelf system.
- Prior to explaining a preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the inventive concept is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description of the preferred embodiment, or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
- The primary object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that is primarily composed of at least one storage container, which may contain a towel or other items, may have a speaker and electronic communications devices, may attach above or below a shower head pipe, and may have the following detachable items: an exterior shelf, two hangers, four suction cups, a support base, an interior shelf and dividing wall, and a carrying handle.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that provides storage for a towel or other items used to cleanse or dry the body.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that provides storage for personal items, such as a razor, eyeglasses, a watch, a ring, a bracelet, at necklace, other items of jewelry, money, car keys, a cell phone, an MP3 player, or any other item that will fit in the compartment, including music listening devices such as an IPod.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that provides storage on a detachable shelf for items used to cleanse the body, such as bars of soap, liquid soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, body wash, or any other item used for cleansing the body.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that provides security and peace of mind for the owner because the towel and/or items stored stay in close proximity to the owner.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy comprising a hanger system that may hang from a variety of interior or exterior locations such as a shower pipe, a bathtub faucet, or even a tree branch wherein detachable hangers or a lanyard connect to and support the apparatus.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy comprising a hanger system that may be of unitary construction of the frame, detachable left and right hanger members, or a lanyard strap, loops, and carabiner combination.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that can be attached to a shower wall using the suction cups on the back of the structure, thus providing a secure storage environment.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that is portable; therefore the frame may be carried by the handle or by the hanger system, including utilizing detachable hangers. The handle, and/or suction cups, may be stored inside so that the device can be carried in and out of the shower and may be used indoors or outdoors.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that can be configured out of different materials such as, but not limited to, plastics, metals, wood, bamboo, other plant materials, stone, ceramics, or any other material suitable for construction including composite materials, waterproof materials, and combinations of materials.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that may be used in a variety of spaces, including residential and commercial shower enclosures, communal bathrooms such as those found in colleges and universities, outdoor showers in parks, or any other type of a shower or bathing enclosure or environment.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that may be used for storage anywhere, so it may be used in non-shower environments, such as hanging from a tree branch, a surf board fin, the rib of a beach umbrella, or even a hook on the side of a camper.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that provides storage on elevated support base members which elevate the storage container above a desk or dresser when a cabinet-style configuration is preferred.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that provides a space for ventilation of the bottom wall of the frame above a desk or dresser when a cabinet-style configuration is preferred.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that can be manufactured by injection molding or other molding or other methods in a variety of colors and styles, so that one part may be a different color or be made out of a different material than another part.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that can be further accessorized by adding components to the frame, such as a speaker, or other items such as a shelf, a cup holder, a hook, a battery, a light, a television, a mirror, a microphone, or any other convenience item or electronic device that may prove useful and complement the apparatus.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that provides a medium for advertising of items such as products or companies or corporations by sticking a decal onto the frame, molding a trademark or logo into the frame, or any other means of applying or adding advertising to the apparatus, including using different color combinations, patterns, or materials inside or outside of the apparatus.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that may be stored with the hanger members, the suction cups, the interior partition, and the handle inside the frame and the exterior shelf attached so that it is snug against the bottom wall of the frame, thus ensuring that one apparatus may be stacked on top of or next to another apparatus for commercial display purposes.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that allows the user to listen to sound through a speaker which is mounted or molded into the door or other part of the frame, thus ensuring that music, a cellphone call, an MP3 recording, or any other sound or audio wave, including sound from any portable electronic device, may be heard by the user.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that has several storage compartments such that items may be stored inside the frame, on top of a detachable shelf comprising a wire grid, on the top wall of the frame, or even items may be hung from the hangers or the detachable shelf or an other part of the apparatus.
- Another object is to provide a Towel Shower Caddy that provides a display surface for a variety of items, so that any item, such as a stuffed animal or toy, may be placed in or on the apparatus and the apparatus may be placed anywhere, such as a residential bedroom.
- Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of this application.
- Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present inventive concept will become fully appreciated as the same become better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. The figures represent the preferred embodiment of the inventive concept, primarily a rectangular frame, as follows:
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FIG. 1 presents a front-facing perspective view of the Towel Shower Caddy 1. -
FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the inventive concept. -
FIG. 3 displays a frontal view of theframe 10. -
FIG. 4 is a view of the front of thedoor 20. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of ahandle assembly 30. -
FIG. 6 presents a perspective view of the two-member hanger system 50. -
FIG. 7 is a display of the two hanger covers 60 in a preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a view of adetachable shelf system 70 comprising an orthogonal wire grid. -
FIG. 9 is a view of the arrangement ofsuction cups 80 utilized in the device. -
FIG. 10 is an alternative embodiment, which shows the rear view of theframe 10 with the suction cups 81-84 attached to theback wall 14 of theframe 10. -
FIG. 11 is a right side view of theframe 10 showing theright side wall 11. -
FIG. 12 shows theleft side wall 12 of theframe 10. -
FIG. 13 is an alternative embodiment of the interior of theframe 10, with thedoor 20 unattached. -
FIG. 14 displays the top view of theframe 10 showing thetop wall 11. -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the apparatus showing theframe 10 and the support base system, 41-44. -
FIG. 16 is a bottom view of theframe 10 with the support base members 41-44 attached. -
FIG. 17 shows thedoor 20 further comprising aspeaker 29 andknob 27 attached. -
FIG. 18 illustrates alternative components, including acellphone 90, accessories, 90(a), (b),speaker 29, speaker wire 29(a), speaker plug 29(b),electronic tablet 91, wire 91(a), jack 91(b), and a fastening means 13(c). -
FIG. 19 displays an embodiment of adoor 20,knob 27, and further, having a speaker (29) and anintegral cellphone 90. -
FIG. 20 presents an exploded view of theframe 10 in an embodiment featuring adetachable handle assembly 30 and adetachable hanger system 50. -
FIG. 21 is a front view of an embodiment of theframe 10 having a Velcro® component for support of theframe 10 upon a shower pipe. -
FIG. 22 is a view of theback wall 14 showing suction cups 81-84, and a cylindrical indentation 2 in theframe 10. -
FIG. 23 illustrates thebottom wall 13 of theframe 10 further showing having a Velcro® component 13(c) for securing theframe 10 upon a shower pipe. -
FIG. 24 displays an embodiment of adoor 20 with aknob 27, and having aspeaker 29 and an integralelectronic tablet 91. - Beginning with
FIG. 1 , there is presented a generalized view of the inventive concept, showing, as major components of the preferred embodiment, aframe 10, adoor 20, ahandle assembly 30, foursupport pads 40, aremovable hanger system 50, ahanger cover system 60, and adetachable shelf 70. Each of the foregoing major components further comprises sub-components that enhance their functionality. - In viewing
FIG. 2 , there is illustrated an exploded view of the Towel Shower Caddy 1, Thefame 10, is shown to be a container with aplanar door 20 that opens to reveal aninterior shelf 17 and aninterior wall 18. Theframe 10 hasindentations 19 and 19(a) on theleft side wall 15 and also the right side wall 16 (not shown). The function of theframe 10 is to provide a container for storage of various personal bathing items and electronic communications devices. Theindentations 19, 19(a) serve to provide an anchor or insertion point for left andright attachment wires 74, themselves attached to theshelf system 70. - The preferred embodiment of the
frame 10 is a generally rectangular cuboid, open-volume structure of six surfaces: atop wall 11, afront wall 12, abottom wall 13, aback wall 14, aleft side wall 15, and aright side wall 16. The surfaces are joined together as aframe 10 to form the container. The attacheddoor 20 opens to make accessible an interior storage compartment with ashelf 17, separated by avertical wall 18 which divides the compartment into several sections. A variety of assorted items may be placed into each section. Theframe 10 may be composed of a waterproof material, which may include different plastic or elastomeric compounds. - The
door 20 can be closed to provide an enclosed waterproof secure area. Theframe 10 may be configured in several different shapes, such as square, oval, or any other geometric shape, or colors, and may be manufactured with different materials. For example, ared frame 10 may haveblue handles 30 and a blackdetachable shelf 70 or theframe 10 may be plastic with a bamboodetachable shelf 70 andbangers 50 made from a woven rope or a flexible lanyard. The interior of theframe 10 may be manufactured from different materials or color. - The embodiment of the
door 20, as shown inFIG. 4 , is pivotally attached to theframe 10 with an attachingflange 28. Thedoor 20 further has aknob 27, and may have aspeaker 29 positioned on or within the planar surface of the door 20 (ref.FIG. 17 ). The function of thedoor 20 is to cover the opening to the frame 10 (shown inFIG. 3 ) and securely protect any items stored within from splashing water. Thedoor 20 may also be constructed with a waterproof, compressible material encompassing the outer perimeter of thedoor 20. - The
door 20 is an elongated planar structure of six surfaces, thetop surface 21, thefront surface 22, thebottom surface 23, the back surface 24, theleft side surface 25, and theright side surface 26, which unitarily form a planar surface composed of a waterproof material, which may include elastomeric materials. Thedoor 20 is attached to theframe 10 with an attachingflange 28. Thedoor 20 opens to reveal an interior storage compartment. Thedoor 20 can close to provide an enclosed waterproof secure area within theframe 10. Aknob 27 on thefront surface 22 allows for ease in opening or closing. Thedoor 20 may be configured with at least onespeaker 29 in a different shape, such as a square, a rectangle, an oval, or any other shape, or color. Thespeakers 29 may be manufactured with different materials. For example, a redplastic door 20 may have a square black metal andcloth speaker 29. - The
door 20 may be configured in different shapes, such as square, rectangular, oval, or any other shape, or color and may be manufactured with materials that are different from the materials used for the other elements. The function of thedoor 20 is to allow access to items which are stored inside theframe 10 when thedoor 20 is opened and to keep those items secure and waterproof when the door is closed. - In
FIG. 2 , and with more detail, inFIG. 5 , adetachable handle assembly 30 is shown. Thehandle assembly 30 comprises a flexible elongated structure composed of atop surface 31, abottom surface 32, aleft end 33, and aright end 34. Thehandle assembly 30 further comprises aleft end 33 and aright end 34. The handle leftend 33 and the handleright end 34 fit into left andright housing slots housing cavity 35 of the top all 11, as shown inFIG. 14 andFIG. 20 . In this manner, the handle leftend 33 and the handleright end 34 remain inside the frame when the structure is grasped. Thehandle assembly 30 may be grasped by one or both hands of a user when the apparatus is to be carried. Thehandle assembly 30 may collapse or be detached by the user whenever necessary. - The function of the
handle assembly 30 is to support the weight of theframe 10 and any other elements attached to theframe 10, including thedoor 20, thesupport base 40, thehangers 50, the hanger covers 60, thedetachable shelf 70, and any contents of the shower caddy 1. Thehandle assembly 30 may be composed of a waterproof material, which may include different plastic compounds. Thehandle assembly 30 is collapsible so that it may be pushed downward and lie flat against thehousing cavity 35, thus facilitating storage of the container (as shown inFIG. 1 . Further, thehandle assembly 30 arches upward and flexes when it is grasped by a user's hand, thus allowing transport of the towel shower caddy 1. Thehandle assembly 30 may be configured in different shapes, such as square, rectangular, oval, or any other shape, or color and may be manufactured with materials that are different from the materials used for the other elements. - The
handle assembly 30 may also comprise a one-piece structure permanently attached to theframe 10 by means of injection molding technique. In this instance, thehandle assembly 30 is not retractable into the top surface of theframe 10. - A particular embodiment of the inventive concept is a
hanger system 50, as shown inFIG. 6 . There illustrated is aremovable hanger system 50 comprising two elongated tubular structures, being aleft member 51 with astopper end 53 and a receivingend 55, and aright member 52 with astopper end 54 and anengaging end 56. - The two
hanger members hanger system 50 is inserted into theframe 10 through theopen door 20 as previously pointed out inFIG. 2 . The lefthanger receiving end 55 and the righthanger engaging end 56 are respectively inserted, through theleft frame hole 65 and theright frame hole 66, respectively. To accomplish this, the hanger covers 60, shown inFIG. 7 , must also be opened. Theleft member 51 fits through the hole next to the left hanger cover flap 61 (ref.FIG. 7 ) and theright member 52 fits through the hole next to the right hanger cover flap 62 (ref.FIG. 7 ). - The
hanger system 50 may extend out of the frame holes 65, 66 in the top wall 11 (ref.FIG. 3 ) so that theleft stopper end 53 covers theleft frame hole 65 in thetop wall 11 and theright stopper end 54 covers theright frame hole 66 in thetop wall 11 when fully extended. - The left
hanger receiving end 55 fits into the righthanger engaging end 56 so that theleft hanger member 51 may be screwed into theright member 52, thus forming a completehanger assembly system 50. Thehanger system 50 is sturdy enough to support the weight of theframe 10 and any other elements attached to theframe 10. - The
hanger system 50 may be configured in different shapes, such as square, rectangular, oval, or any other shape, or color and may be manufactured with materials that are different from the materials used for the other elements. The function of thehanger system 50 is to support the weight of theframe 10 when the frame is hung from a support, such as an indoor shower pipe, shower head, towel bar, bathroom fixture, or even an outdoor tree limb or a bracket on a camper. Thehanger system 50 is inserted into theframe 10 through theopen door 20 and extended up through a hole created by the opened hanger covers 60. Thehanger members - The
hanger system 50, optimally, is joined to form one continuous length by inserting the righthanger engaging end 56 into the lefthanger receiving end 55 and rotating theengaging end 56 and receivingend 55 in corresponding directions until the connection is tightened, similar to screwing a lid onto a jar. Thehanger system 50 supports theframe 10 when theframe 10 is hung from a surface, such as an indoor shower pipe, shower head, or a towel bar or other bathroom fixture, or even an outdoor tree limb or a bracket on a camper. - Another embodiment of the
hanger system 50 comprises a lanyard of fabric or other flexible material. The lanyard may be attached to two integral hooks, one hook each permanently built into theframe 10 at the previously-shown locations of the twoframe holes frame 10 at the respective left and right ends of thebottom wall 13 of theframe 10. - The
hanger cover system 60 is illustrated inFIG. 7 , (and also inFIG. 2 ), and comprises orthogonally-bent, flat structures or flaps 61 and 62, each with anattachment 63 and 64 to hold them, respectively, to theframe 10. The function of the hanger cover system is to cover the left frame hole and right frame hole, 65, 66 respectively in theframe 10 when thehanger system 50 is not in use. Thehanger cover system 60 is composed of a waterproof material, may include different plastic or elastomeric compounds. - By referring, to
FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 , it can be seen that thehanger system 50 is inserted into theframe 10 through theopen door 20 and extends up through holes created by the openedhanger cover system 60. Theleft member 51 fits through the hole next to the lefthanger cover flap 61 and theright member 52 fits through the hole next to the righthanger cover flap 62. Thelunger cover system 60 may stay in a closed position, covering theholes frame 10 when thehanger system 50 is not in use, and may stay in an open position, uncovering theholes hanger system 50 is being utilized. - The
hanger cover system 60 may be configured in different shapes, such as square, rectangular, oval, or any other shape, or color and may be manufactured with materials that are different from the materials used for the other elements. - In
FIG. 15 andFIG. 16 , there is illustrated asupport base system 40, comprising four round bottom supports or feet, being, a frontleft foot 41, a frontright toot 42, a rearleft toot 43, and a rearright foot 44. The components of thesupport base system 40 are attached to thebottom wall 13 of theframe 10. The function of thesupport base system 40 is to support, elevate, and ventilate theframe 10 and other elements attached to theframe 10. - The
support base system 40 may be composed of a waterproof material which may include different plastic compounds or elastomeric materials. Thesupport base system 40 may be configured in different shapes, such as square, rectangular, oval, or any other shape, or color and may be manufactured with materials that are different from the materials used for the other elements of the Towel Shower Caddy 1. The function of thesupport base system 40 is to keep theframe 10 from touching a shelf or other surface when it is stored, and to support the weight of theframe 10 when thehanger system 50 is not in use. - The preferred embodiment of the
detachable shelf system 70, as illustrated inFIG. 8 , and previously shown inFIG. 2 , is a removable, basket-like grid composed of interconnected wire and/or plastic-coatedwire 71. Further, there is abottom grid 72, attached together bygrid support wires 73. Thedetachable shelf system 70 may be attached to, or detached from, theframe 10 by means ofattachment wires 74 which fit intosmall indentations 19, 19(a) (Ref.FIG. 1 ,FIG. 2 ) in theside walls frame 10. The dimensions of thedetachable shelf 70 allow storage of a bath towel, and also provides for storage for a period of time. - The
detachable shelf system 70 may be composed of metal wires covered with any of a variety of waterproof materials, which may include different plastic compounds. Thedetachable shelf system 70 may also be composed of plastic, rubber, bamboo, wood, or any other compound or material. Thedetachable shelf system 70 may be attached to theframe 10 withattachment wires 74 which fit into small holes in the side of theframe 10 or it may be detached from theframe 10. Thedetachable shelf system 70 may be attached to theframe 10 in two positions, either close to theframe 10 for transport or farther from theframe 10 for storage of personal items, such as bottles of shampoo or conditioner or bars of soap. If thedetachable shelf system 70 is attached for transport, theattachment wires 74 fit into theindentations 19 closest to the top of theframe 10, so that thewire grid 72 fits snugly under theframe 10 with no clearance for item storage. If thedetachable shelf system 70 is attached for actual use, theattachment wires 74 fit into the holes 19(a) closest to the bottom of theframe 10, so that thewire grid 72 fits under theframe 10 with clearance for storage of bottles and other items. - The
detachable shelf system 70 may be configured in different shapes, such as square, rectangular, oval, or any other shape, or color and may be manufactured with materials that are different from the materials used for the other elements. Another embodiment of thedetachable shelf system 70 may be a flexible mesh bag or other similar structure with a means for attaching the bag to theframe 10 of the Towel Shower Caddy 1. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , thesuction cup system 80 consists of four components: a leftupper suction cup 81, a rightupper suction cup 82, a leftlower suction cup 83, and a rightlower suction cup 84, all of which are attached to the back wall 24. When removed, thesuction cup system 80 may fit through holes in theback wall 14. The function of thesuction cup system 80 is to secure theback wall 14 of the Towel Shower Caddy 1 to a shower wall, or other flat vertical surface. The foursuction cups - The
suction cup system 80 may be configured in different shapes, such as square, rectangular, oval, or any other shape, or color and may be manufactured with materials that are different from the materials used for the other elements. - Alternative Embodiments of Invention
- The
frame 10 may be a different shape, round or square or octagonal, or it may be a different size, of any dimensions that may be preferred by a manufacturer of the inventive concept. Theframe 10 ordoor 20 may have school or team or corporate logos or trademarks on it or pressed or fabricated into it. Thedoor 20 may be a different shape, constructed in a variety shapes, including circular, square or octagonal, and also may be of varying dimensions, depending on the judgment and preference of any manufacturer of the inventive concept. - An electronic music, radio, or communications system may be built into the
frame 10 ordoor 20 or connected to thedetachable shelf system 70 so thatspeakers 29, batteries, a television, any other type of electronic screen, or an other electronic item such as an I-Pod or a cell phone may be incorporated into thedoor 20 orframe 10 of the inventive concept. Further, flexible straps may be incorporated into the interior walls and dividers of theframe 10 so as to provide support for electronic devices, particularly cell phones or audio devices. - Operation and Use of Preferred Embodiment
- The inventive concept, in its compacted, stored configuration, may contain several of its components packed into the interior of the
basic frame 10. All the device components shown in the exploded view ofFIG. 2 , other than thedoor 20 and thedetachable shelf 70, may be packed within theframe 10, for storage or commercial packaging. A purchaser or initial user picks up the towel shower caddy 1, seen inFIG. 2 , havingindentations 19, 19(a) on both theleft side wall 15 and right side wall 16 (not shown), Thedoor 20 is then opened, by means of theknob 27, to reveal aninterior shelf 17 and aninterior wall 18, two hanger covers 60, and a support base, as seen inFIG. 2 andFIG. 15 . As shown inFIG. 16 , the base comprises a frontleft foot 41, a frontright foot 42, a rearleft foot 43, and a rearright foot 44, which are all attached to thebottom wall 13. - The
door 20 may have aspeaker 29, shown inFIG. 18 , which is positioned on or integral to thedoor 20, as seen inFIG. 17 . Thehandle assembly 30 is an elongated structure composed of atop surface 31, abottom surface 32, aleft end 33, and aright end 34, as seen inFIG. 2 andFIG. 5 . Assuming these components have been stored, the user fits thehandle assembly 30 into twoslots housing cavity 35 on thetop wall 11 inFIG. 14 to carry the apparatus 1 to a shower or other location. - Again, assuming the device war priorly stored, the user opens both
flaps hanger cover system 60 exposing the two frame holes, 65, 66 respectively, in thetop wall 11, as shown inFIG. 2 . In referring toFIG. 6 andFIG. 2 , the two members of thehanger system 50 are then inserted into theframe 10 interior, with theleft member 51 andright member 52 of thehanger system 50 being inserted through their respective frame holes 65, 66. The user pulls eachhanger member holes top wall 11 so that the lefthanger stopper end 53 covers the left hole in thetop wall 11 and the righthanger stopper end 54 covers the right hole in thetop wall 11. The user attaches the lefthanger receiving end 55 to the righthanger engaging end 56 with a rotating motion to gradually secure a fit between the two ends. Thehanger system 50 now may be used to hang theframe 10 from a projection such as a shower pipe. - The user attaches the
detachable shelf 70 shown inFIG. 8 to theframe 10 with theattachment wires 74 which fit into the lower indentations 19(a) in theleft side wall 15 and theright side wall 16 as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 . This configuration allows for additional storage of items on thewire grid 72 directly below theframe 10. - The user places four
suction cups 80, a leftupper suction cup 81, a rightupper suction cup 82, a leftlower suction cup 83, and a rightlower suction cup 84, seen inFIG. 9 to theback wall 14, as seen inFIG. 10 . - In the preferred embodiment, the user carries the Towel Shower Caddy 1 into a shower compartment by grasping the
handle assembly 30 and places theapparatus hanger system 50 over an existing shower pipe so that the weight of the apparatus rests on the shower pipe. The user then secures theback wall 14 to the shower wall by pressing thesuction cups 80 against the shower wall until there is suction and the apparatus is stationary. - In the event the Towel Shower Caddy 1 must be used in a shower enclosure having an angled, exposed shower pipe 2, the
bottom wall 13 of the apparatus may be constructed with a half-cylindrical form 101-103, which form also extends to a portion of theback wall 14, as shown inFIG. 21 andFIG. 22 . The Towel Shower Caddy 1 may then be secured to the shower pipe 2, by way of illustration, by means of a self-fastening mechanism 100 which may be a hook-and-felt type fastener 13(c) (“Velcro®”) as shown inFIG. 23 . The fastening mechanism is inserted around the shower pipe 2 throughinterior slots bottom wall 13 of the device.FIG. 23 illustrates a hook-and-felt type fastener 13(c) continuing throughslot 105 on the underside of thebottom wall 13 of the device. - On those Towel Shower Caddies 1 so equipped, the user may then attach a portable electronic listening device, such as a cell phone or MP3 player to the speaker plug 29 b, turn on the device so that the user hears sounds from the
speaker 29, and rest the device on theinterior shelf 17. The user rolls up a bath towel and inserts it into the larger space to the right of theinterior wall 18. - The user places any items for storage onto or below the
interior shelf 17 to the left of theinterior wall 18 and closes thedoor 20 by pushing theknob 27 inward towards theframe 10. The user now places any other items, such as a shampoo bottle or a razor or bar of soap onto thebottom wire grid 72. - The apparatus now resembles
FIG. 1 in appearance, which is the fully operational configuration of the preferred embodiment. In an alternate embodiment, thedoor 20 may also be fitted with an attachedspeaker 29 to facilitate audio reception from various types of electronic devices that may also be positioned within the interior of the Towel Shower Caddy 1. - After showering, the user grasps the
knob 27 and opens thedoor 20 by pulling theknob 27 outward. The user removes the towel and any other items from theframe 10 and unplugs any electronic device, which may have been in use, from thespeaker 29. Any shampoo bottles or other items on thedetachable shelf 70 may also be removed, if desired. The user removes the Towel Shower Caddy 1 from the shower wall by pulling theframe 10 away from the shower wall until the suction created by thesuction cup system 80 is broken. - The user removes the
hanger system 50 from over the shower pipe, then untwists theleft member 51 from theright member 52, and stores them inside theframe 10. The user may or may not detach the components of thesuction cup system 80, and place them inside theframe 10. The user closes thehanger cover system 60 to seal the top of theframe 10 so that the holes do not show. The user closes thedoor 20 by pushing theknob 27 inward towards theframe 10. - If desired, the user may carry the apparatus by the
handle assembly 30 with theinterior shelf 17, theinterior wall 18, thehanger system 50, and thesuction cup system 80 stored inside theframe 10. If thewire grid 72 is empty, the user may pull theattachment wires 74 away from the lower indentations 19(a) on theframe 10 and reposition thewires 74 so that the wires fit into theupper indentations 19 on theside walls bottom grid 72 is positioned snug against thebottom wall 13, so that theframe 10 will occupy a smaller volume and be easily carded. The detachment of the above components yields a substantially smaller Towel Shower Caddy 1 that occupies less storage space so that the user may place it on a shelf or in a locker. - The user may also remove the
handle assembly 30 and store it inside theframe 10. In this configuration, oneframe 10 may be stacked on top of or next to anotherframe 10 for commercial storage or display purposes. In addition, the user may place thedetachable shelf 70 on a surface so that it may be used as an additional storage container. - What has been disclosed and illustrated herein are several embodiments of the inventive concept, along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the inventive conception which all terms are meant in their broadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.
Claims (29)
Priority Applications (1)
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US13/920,229 US9554673B2 (en) | 2012-06-22 | 2013-06-18 | Shower caddy for holding towel and other items |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US201261662951P | 2012-06-22 | 2012-06-22 | |
US13/920,229 US9554673B2 (en) | 2012-06-22 | 2013-06-18 | Shower caddy for holding towel and other items |
Publications (2)
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US20130341216A1 true US20130341216A1 (en) | 2013-12-26 |
US9554673B2 US9554673B2 (en) | 2017-01-31 |
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US13/920,229 Active - Reinstated 2035-05-04 US9554673B2 (en) | 2012-06-22 | 2013-06-18 | Shower caddy for holding towel and other items |
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US (1) | US9554673B2 (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US9112993B1 (en) * | 2013-09-24 | 2015-08-18 | Joe A. Rivera | Shower transmitter/receiver speaker systems |
US9498088B2 (en) | 2014-09-05 | 2016-11-22 | Donald Neal Hinson | Shelf support structure |
USD796225S1 (en) * | 2016-01-29 | 2017-09-05 | Tula Industries, Llc | Locking shower caddy |
DE102017122598A1 (en) * | 2017-09-28 | 2019-03-28 | Alexander Knoll jun. | Storage device, in particular bath and / or shower tray device |
US20190290078A1 (en) * | 2018-03-21 | 2019-09-26 | Thomas L Moses | Bathroom fixture |
USD874848S1 (en) * | 2018-09-27 | 2020-02-11 | Acorn Engineering Company | Shower caddy |
USD875425S1 (en) * | 2018-09-27 | 2020-02-18 | Acorn Engineering Company | Vanity shelf |
US20220218158A1 (en) * | 2021-01-12 | 2022-07-14 | Christopher Barnard Lusk | Shower shelf |
US20220296049A1 (en) * | 2021-03-19 | 2022-09-22 | Andrew Bordin | Wall mountable soap dish assembly and methods of making and using the same |
USD998994S1 (en) * | 2023-06-01 | 2023-09-19 | Jie Chen | Shelf |
US20240016344A1 (en) * | 2022-07-14 | 2024-01-18 | Debra Lynn LAURENT | Shower and bath cabinet |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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USD818746S1 (en) | 2017-06-06 | 2018-05-29 | Carder Leland R | Restroom hanger |
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US2876908A (en) | 1955-08-23 | 1959-03-10 | Luke E Mangum | Shower bath accessory |
US3059374A (en) | 1961-05-10 | 1962-10-23 | Josef J Bernay | Molded plastic soap basket |
US3181702A (en) | 1963-03-25 | 1965-05-04 | Al Ray Mfg Co | Hanger for use in combination with showers and the like |
US3266764A (en) | 1965-05-04 | 1966-08-16 | Franklin S Briles Inc | Shower pipe hanger |
US3789996A (en) | 1971-05-12 | 1974-02-05 | Mcmillan Wire Plating Inc | Shelf fixture including an attachment device therefor |
US3923162A (en) | 1974-02-11 | 1975-12-02 | John J Hussey | Shower caddy |
US4387811A (en) | 1981-03-23 | 1983-06-14 | Selfix, Inc. | Shower shelf |
US4541131A (en) | 1984-07-30 | 1985-09-17 | Howard Sussman | Combination bath and shower accessory |
US5180067A (en) | 1992-01-03 | 1993-01-19 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Shower caddy |
US5620105A (en) | 1995-07-20 | 1997-04-15 | Selfix, Inc. | Storage caddy |
US6581790B1 (en) | 2001-12-31 | 2003-06-24 | Zlatko Zadro | Height adjustable shower caddy interchangeably mountable to different structures |
US8051506B2 (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2011-11-08 | Stanley H Segal | Shower storage cabinet |
US7770742B1 (en) | 2007-10-18 | 2010-08-10 | George Wagner | Shower caddy |
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- 2013-06-18 US US13/920,229 patent/US9554673B2/en active Active - Reinstated
Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9112993B1 (en) * | 2013-09-24 | 2015-08-18 | Joe A. Rivera | Shower transmitter/receiver speaker systems |
US9498088B2 (en) | 2014-09-05 | 2016-11-22 | Donald Neal Hinson | Shelf support structure |
US20170055781A1 (en) * | 2014-09-05 | 2017-03-02 | Donald Neal Hinson | Shelf support structure |
USD796225S1 (en) * | 2016-01-29 | 2017-09-05 | Tula Industries, Llc | Locking shower caddy |
DE102017122598A1 (en) * | 2017-09-28 | 2019-03-28 | Alexander Knoll jun. | Storage device, in particular bath and / or shower tray device |
WO2019063729A1 (en) * | 2017-09-28 | 2019-04-04 | Knoll Jun Alexander | Storage device, more particularly bath- and/or shower storage device |
US20190290078A1 (en) * | 2018-03-21 | 2019-09-26 | Thomas L Moses | Bathroom fixture |
USD874848S1 (en) * | 2018-09-27 | 2020-02-11 | Acorn Engineering Company | Shower caddy |
USD875425S1 (en) * | 2018-09-27 | 2020-02-18 | Acorn Engineering Company | Vanity shelf |
US20220218158A1 (en) * | 2021-01-12 | 2022-07-14 | Christopher Barnard Lusk | Shower shelf |
US20220296049A1 (en) * | 2021-03-19 | 2022-09-22 | Andrew Bordin | Wall mountable soap dish assembly and methods of making and using the same |
US11937747B2 (en) * | 2021-03-19 | 2024-03-26 | Andrew Bordin | Wall mountable soap dish assembly and methods of making and using the same |
US20240016344A1 (en) * | 2022-07-14 | 2024-01-18 | Debra Lynn LAURENT | Shower and bath cabinet |
USD998994S1 (en) * | 2023-06-01 | 2023-09-19 | Jie Chen | Shelf |
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